What We Do
We are a welcoming, community-based drop-in center where young people ages 12 through 24 impacted by homelessness can access low-barrier, developmentally and culturally appropriate, and trauma-informed care.
The Experience
The Community
When young people walk through our doors, they’re stepping into a space that sees them for who they are — not just their situation. They’re welcomed into a caring community that offers support without judgment and honors their strengths, individuality, and unique needs.
It's a place where young people are surrounded by peers and greeted by a team of caring professionals that’s ready to listen, build trust, and show up consistently. It’s a place to rest, recharge, and be free from their moment-to-moment challenges — a community hub where they can determine their own path toward success.
Whether they’re looking for a meal, a shower, help with school or a job, or support finding housing — we’re here, meeting young people where they are and walking alongside them as they move forward on their own unique journeys.
The Place
Our space is a dynamic hub of activity. During drop-in hours, there’s usually a lot going on — computer access and assistance, skill building groups, art workshops, animal companion care, selecting clothing from the clothing closet, meals, celebrations, and much more.Â
There are also quiet spaces to meet one-on-one with staff for things that take focus or privacy — like getting an ID or other documents, applying for jobs, finding housing, or connecting to other services. We also provide private spaces where young people can share with staff about harm that they've experienced or talk through worries or challenges.
Young people are encouraged to share their dreams and empowered to self-determine their goals. They lead the way, and we walk alongside them with the care, resources, and opportunities that will support their success.
The People
Every relationship is built one-on-one, honoring the fact that each young person's experience is unique. Young people are recognized as individuals with their own challenges, goals, and strengths.
The vision is bigger than ending youth homelessness alone — it’s about creating a Los Angeles where every young person can thrive — physically, mentally, socially, and economically. This begins with a community of care and connection, where young people are supported as they chart their own paths with purpose.
Safe Haven
The Essentials
Our drop-in day shelter is often where we first meet young people — a place where they, their children, and their animal companions can rest, recharge, and get their most immediate needs met with care and dignity. Available services and resources include:
- Breakfast, lunch, and snacks
- Phone, computer, and internet access
- Showers
- Clothing
- Hygiene supplies
- Animal companion care
- Individual and community activities
In addition to meeting basic needs, the Safe Haven offers young people opportunities to find connection and community. Monthly birthday parties and holiday and cultural celebrations bring moments of joy and normalcy while giving young people a chance to get to know each other and our staff in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
Transformative Education
Building Skills
Through creative expression, job readiness, and hands-on learning, our Transformative Education programs help young people explore who they are, build skills, and open doors to new opportunities. Our core services include:
- Employment services
- Internships and workforce opportunities
- Education support
- Field trips
- Creative arts
- The Corner Collective
Young people bring creativity, resilience, and vision to their own journeys. Our role is to provide opportunities that build on those strengths — offering pathways to develop marketable skills, explore new possibilities, and access resources. Creative arts workshops create a welcoming entry point where trust and connection can grow. Education and employment services open doors for young people to take concrete steps toward the goals they’ve set for themselves.
Housing & Wellness
Securing & Retaining Housing
While working toward short-term shelter and/or longer-term housing, young people are supported in pursuing the goals that matter most to them—whether it’s parenting, navigating legal challenges, accessing public benefits, or caring for their mental health. They are connected to systems of care that provide holistic wellness support, helping them take meaningful steps toward the lives they dream of.
- Drop-in case management
- Housing case management
- Parenting support
- Individual, group, and family counseling
- Stress reduction and coping skills
- Conflict mediation
- Emotional regulation
- Substance abuse education
- Mental health education
- Medical care and STI & HIV testing
- Legal services
Thousands of young people visit us every year as they navigate their way through their current circumstances and take steps to reach their potential. Here’s a glimpse into our impact in 2024.
Insights
Discover our latest thinking, research, and data on addressing and ending youth homelessness.
Drop-in centers are safe havens for youth experiencing homelessness. We examine drop-in centers within a positive youth development (PYD) framework to explore the role social connections with staff on the psychosocial development and stability of youth experiencing homelessness.
Read More
In this episode of Foster Care, Adoption, and Beyond: Untold Stories, Christian Quijano of My Friend’s Place and Chino Quinlan of the LA LGBT Center share powerful stories of resilience and insight into how dedicated staff and lived experience drive real change.
When I walked through the front door of My Friend’s Place, I honestly didn’t feel homeless anymore. I felt like I was going to be able to get the help that I needed."
